Gaboon Viper

Bitis rhinoceros

Size: 120-150 cm, up to 200 cm.
Lifespan: Unknown in the wild. About 18 years in captivity. 
Food: Mammals and birds.

The longest fangs in the world

The Gaboon viper is the world’s biggest viper. It also has the longest fangs, up to 5 cm. It also has the most venom of all venomous snakes.

Gaboon Viper showing its fangs.
Photo: Brimac-The-2nd-CC-BY

Well camouflaged

Can you see the snake? It is hard to find. Look for its head, which is shaped like a leaf. The Gaboon viper lives on the ground and is active at night. During the day it mostly rests. 

Photo: Tim-Vickers-Public-domain

Distribution worldwide

Africa south
of the Sahara.

White marking = Distribution

Threat based on the Red List

Reglerad inom handel

CITES: Not listed.